When it comes to personal security, there are many services to choose from. Bodyguards and executive protection agents are great options for keeping you safe from unwanted threats. Keep reading to find out the difference between a bodyguard and an executive protection agent to help you determine which one you need.
What’s a Bodyguard?
In the movies, bodyguards wear dark sunglasses, walk around in black suits, and almost always have a hearing device tucked in one ear. These imposing figures never smile, taking their work to dead-serious levels. Well, that’s pretty much the idea behind the profession, but there’s more to it than following someone closely and glaring across the room.
Bodyguards manage the security and safety of individuals. The client is usually a celebrity of some sort, such as an entertainer, politician, or high-level executive. Recognition means these people face unique security challenges and are prone to threats that most of us can’t imagine. A bodyguard serves as a wall between the client and risks, preventing threats or acting in case there is one. They focus on physical protection and immediate threats, typically near the person they are protecting.
What’s an Executive Protection Agent?
Executive protection agents and bodyguards could at first appear to be interchangeable but have several key differences. The most crucial is the level of pre-planning an executive agent executes when it comes to overseeing a client’s safety. This includes performing risk, threat, and vulnerability analyses before bringing a client into an environment. For example, a bodyguard will escort a politician to a rally. The executive protection agent will know everything about the event before it takes place and take proactive steps to reduce risks.
Executive protection agents work for the long haul, planning escape routes, activity logs, utilizing tracking equipment and audio surveillance, and working with law enforcement. They might be deployed to educate staff at the location on security and safety procedures. Often, executive protection agents have extensive backgrounds in security planning, law enforcement, or military experience.
So Which Do You Need?
Bodyguards and executive protection agents provide a valuable service, but which one you want on your side depends on specific criteria such as:
- Risks: Executive protection agents help identify and mitigate threats in advance, in addition to providing real-time protection. Bodyguards mostly focus on the latter.
- Location: If the place you plan to attend is somewhere you want discreet security, an executive protection agent may be a better option.
- Potential/Known Threats: Since executive protection agents take a proactive approach to protection, this is a great option if you already know of potential threats.
- Level of Unknown: When traveling somewhere new, an executive protection agent can help provide the necessary strategic planning to ensure safety.
Get Ultimate Protection With David Shield Security
Need to choose between a bodyguard and a protection agent? Your best bet is to consult with a company that has a deep history of the roles and responsibilities involved in private security. At David Shield Security, we offer highly flexible services customized to meet your specific requirements. Contact us to begin your journey to peace of mind.
